Today I went to get our burm (around 9foot 7, 30 something pounds) out to show someone, and got a good reminder to make sure the snake knows you're there before you reach into the cage. It has a big wooden sliding door, and it sticks a little. I pulled it open about 10 inches or so, then reach in to push it open a little more. Normally, i open it a little, then look to see where the snakes head is, and gently brush against its side to be sure it knows im there. Well, this time I didnt, and just as i moved my hand away from the door, I got hit. As soon as it hit me, i grabbed it right behind the head, so i would have a little control on what it could do. Then I told the two people with me to try to keep him from sliding out of the cage, because he was heading to the floor, and I figured it'd be alot easier to work with up at table level. Once one of them got a good hold on it right behind its head, i started trying to open his jaws so i could get my hand out. About the time I realized I wasnt gettin anywhere, and thought about pouring water on it, it finally let go. The whole situation didnt last more than a few seconds i dont think, but it seemed like forever.



(sorry, no pics from when the blood was fresh , i didnt have a camera there)

Honestly, it really didnt hurt as bad as I had figured it would, and is barely sore right now. I have a feeling tomorrow may be a different story though.

A reminder to us all, that no matter how many times you have one out, and nothing happens, you can still never let your guard down.